*Delivered at Metropolitan Community Church of the Rockies in Denver, Colorado on June 7, 2015 There was a time when all was well. We call it “Eden.” Do you remember? We have spent all of human existence yearning to go back there…back to the future. There are times when we know we are particularly far from such a space. A few years ago, my uncle committed suicide. I will never forget my dad calling me and telling... Read more
I pray for all who are involved in this situation…especially the victim. In many ways, Josh Gravens keeps proving that he really is a monster. https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/texas/man-36-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-assault-of-teen-girl/amp/?fbclid=IwAR0q3p8WHfeXnZuXLIo5g7XIAju-YPB3wbggOzgEVeLZTwMviTWutYeLaV4 Read more
“You have to get married. I have to get married. If I don’t get married this time then I will never get married. You have to get married. I have to get married. Stop. This isn’t the person I want to be with. It doesn’t matter. Do you love me? I have chosen her for you. Do you want to go to hell? Get married immediately! If you hadn’t seen her naked you could move on…but now you have... Read more
*a theological conversation between Christian and I on the lake in North Georgia J: Who or what do you think Jesus is Christian? C: On one level, Jesus is an embodiment of an active, participatory and liberating love. On another level (and maybe there are no levels) Jesus was human like you and I. Through community and trust, Jesus found liberation within and without. The answers are simple. J: Like all of us, I believe that... Read more
Does God care about those we execute? While I think we all know the answer to such a question, we better hope not. If God cares, we deserve to be damned. These executions are the work of evil in a pure form…premeditated murder. Lester Bower is the next victim. While there are serious doubts as to his guilt, I am not in a position to weigh all the evidence or facts of Bower’s case. I can only speak... Read more
*Derived from a sermon delivered at Tupelo Unitarian Universalist Congregation on May 31, 2015 Have you ever fallen in love? I think people call it falling because you feel so out of control. While it can be very scary, there is something in you that simply won’t let go and desires to just keep on falling. In such a state, there is something full and complete about simply being with the one that you love. It’s magic. I... Read more
Lightning crawled across the sky. The thunder roared. Rain warned of impending flood. Through the cleansing drama of it all, Jackson remained as dirty as ever. Filled with the secrets of past transgressions, you never know what filthy hate might resurrect next. Even in the midst of the blight, one can find beauty if they are willing to work for it. Echoes of the woman caught in adultery filled my ears. Jesus got down in the dirt to save her.... Read more
“I believe Jesus rose from the dead and inhabits my being right now.” When asked about my thoughts on Jesus, I answered as clearly as I could. The room grew quiet. “Are you an evangelical?” someone asked. After some thought, I replied just as clearly as I did the first time, “I guess I am.” For many years, I have run from the evangelical world. Truth be known, anyone who watches the news sees that there is plenty... Read more
Injustices that make us feel righteous are always our favorites. Last week, I watched Christians get practically giddy over the downfall of The Duggars. I have wondered if people realize that the evils that Josh Duggar committed had victims? In post after post and blog after blog, I watched Christians express their pain at what The Duggars said in the past about a whole host of issues. Now, Christians feel more righteous about their selves based on the discovery that... Read more
*The 2nd in a Series of Conversations between my summer intern Christian Parks and I. J: Christian, I am glad to be returning to this space of formal theological conversation with you. Lately, we have consistently talked about who or what God is. The nature of God has proven to be a topic we return to over and over again. I thought that we could spend some time there tonight. C: So, what do you think God is? ... Read more
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